Ferentz won’t comment on NFL talk

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz refused to comment on the latest reports connecting him to coaching vacancies in the National Football League. Ferentz has been mentioned as a candidate for the opening with the Cleveland Browns.

"I’ve made a habit of not commenting on that…I’ve got a great job, I’m happy to have a great job, I’m appreciative of having a great job. I’ve been at Iowa 10 years, so you know, not much else to say on that topic," Ferentz said.

Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are in Tampa getting set for tomorrow’s Outback Bowl Matchup against South Carolina. Their final full practice was on Tuesday. He says the physical work is all done and he doesn’t know what else can be done. Ferentz says the trick of bowl week is to keep things in balance and have everything ready to go when the kickoff comes.

It is unusual for the Hawkeyes to be favored in a New Year’s Day game but they are in this one though Ferentz says that means nothing. "I’ve read numerous times that we are the favorites, I can tell you this, it got me thinking a little bit and I went back and did some research, our four losses we were favorites, so you can take that about as far as it will let ya," Ferentz says.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier hopes the Gamecocks are ready to play their best game of the season. He says they’ve had good practices and have had good spirit. The Gamecocks received a visit from Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden during Tuesday’s practice. Spurrier says that was nice to see, as the Bucs had a very tough ending to their season. Iowa is 8-4. South Carolina is 7-5.